Fatboy front fender removal
 

Service manual says to remove front wheel. I must be missing something because I don't see why you need to remove the wheel to remove the fender.

No need to remove the wheel.

no need to

2 1/4 allen head bolts, 2 1/2 inch nuts on inside for left and right side. remove, slide fender out as (un)safely as you wish to

tight
 

It's just easier to get to the bolts and taking off the front wheel is relatively easy.

not required but just makes fender removal easier. there are many unnecessary steps in manuals that can be bypassed